To Kill A Mockingbird Essay On Racism

Racism In To Kill A Mockingbird
Racism is something that most people would claim they do not believe in or support; however, as
clearly shown in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, racism is a disease that spreads through a region
and worsens as time goes on. Racism is an issue that is still prevalent in the American society today,
and Harper Lee's timeless novel continues to teach the lesson that one needs to look beyond the color
of another man's skin and see them for who they truly are. Mr. Raymond's conversation with Dill
after Tom Robinson's testimony initially shows that racism is better comprehended with age. He
says, "Let him get a little older and he won't get sick and cry... Cry about the hell white people
give to colored folks, without even stopping to think that they're people too" (Lee, 1960, p. 269).
Here, it becomes clear that children can be naive to racism and the evil in the world, but as they
continue to grow up in an area that feels so strongly about white supremacy, they become immune
to the injustice and prejudice. Further, Mr. Raymond's words allow the reader to better
understand the severity of the racism in Maycomb and the entirety of the country. It also unveils a
crucial theme in the novel, namely that one must consider a person of color to be no different
from oneself, as all humans are equal. Additionally, racism is repeatedly referred to as a disease in
the novel, which is explained when Atticus is talking to Uncle Jack about the trial and he says "'... I
hope and pray I can get
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Essay On Racism In To Kill A Mockingbird
The courthouse in the book To Kill a Mockingbird is represented as an old, traditional setting in
the deep south, and with traditions of the deep south comes racism. In giving Scout a lesson in
how racism works, Atticus also does the same for the readers. On the syllabus of this conversation:
the power of language, not only as a way to shame those who don't toe on the racist line, but also to
set the terms of the debate. Racists use "nigger–lover" to suggest African Americans special rights.,
but also Atticus points out that all he is arguing is for equality and for loving everybody the same.
The most obvious form of discrimination in the book is prejudice however, there are other types of
discrimination in the novel such as racism....show more content...
Referring them as "Too heavy for their light burden" is a symbolic reference to the kinds of cases
that are usually tried in the building– Maycomb takes cases too seriously. The courthouse's old
southern traditions involve racism which can involve the town of Maycomb taking cases of African
Americans too seriously because they know they have little no no power in the courthouse. A
The courthouse is represented as and old fashioned building, but it also won't let go of it's old
traditions such as discrimination and racism, leading to unfair and mostly harsh cases for African
Americans. Scout describe the courthouse and where it's located as "Sundry, sunless country
cubbyholes" and "Sagged in the square" The Maycomb courthouse resembled the Arlington
courthouse. It had huge concrete pillars that supported a light roof, they were still standing after the
original courthouse burned down in 1856. The southern porch was nearly victorian, on the other
side of the courthouse there were the giant concrete pillars and a big 19th century clock tower with
a rusty clock showing that the town doesn't want to change much and like to keep traditions things.
The courtroom was on the second floor and to get to it one had to pass "sundry sunless county
cubbyhols" of the: tax assesors. tax collectors, the county clerk, the county solicitor, the circuit clerk,
and the judge of probate. These people worked in

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay On Racism
Walking out in public and being discriminated by race or color is something that should not
happen. A lot of different racial groups like to make fun of other groups for no reason. However,
once people start to fight for their rights or their life that is when it has gone too far. Tom
Robinson, from the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, has to go through this every single day of his life.
In Tom Robinson's case, he was even charged with a crime he did not commit. An important role
having to do with racism is Martin Luther King Jr., he was also subjected because he was black.
He had to fight all of his life to stand up for what he believed in. Although, there were a lot of
people who hated him he did many things that stopped people mistreating blacks.

Racism and Prejudice A person's childhood can really affect the way they see the world. Harper
Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, is highly influenced by the life she lived as a little girl. She grew
up in the small town of Monroeville, Alabama. She was born there in 1926 and recently passed
away in February of 2016 (Lee). Harper Lee's real name was Nelle (Nail), but everyone calls her
Harper because she opted for Nelle to be left off of her first novel. Her parents named her after her
grandmother, Ellen, but spelled backwards (Shields I Am Scout 6). Despite growing up with two
older sisters and only one brother, Nelle grew up as a tomboy. Her childhood best friend was her
next door neighbor, Truman Capote. They both shared a common...show more content...
They also fought against the lynching and racial injustice that african–americans received (Pitre).
Lee demonstrates this racist society that she grew up in throughout the different aspects within her
novel. Racism and prejudice negatively affects african–americans and those who associate with them
in To Kill a Mockingbird as it permits people to make a judgement based on color and not values.
When Tom Robinson makes his first appearance, it isn't until late in the novel. When he does
appear in To Kill a Mockingbird, Tom is accused of a crime that he clearly didn't commit. Mayella
Ewell, daughter of Bob Ewell, claims that Tom raped her. Tom is what is referred to in this novel
as a "mockingbird." He is a mockingbird because he does no harm to anyone and all he does is
help the Ewell family whenever they need a hand. Harper also includes the fact that Tom's
character only has one and a half arms, so that provides even more evidence that he wasn't even
capable of doing such a thing. In the racist town of Maycomb, no matter how good of a lawyer
Atticus Finch was, it wasn't gonna change the fact that Tom was still going to be ruled guilty. The
jury on this case was, of course, all white males and they just wanted to see one less
african–american in their town. He had no chance of making it out of the courtroom innocent all
because he was black. His character is the most important when mentioning the racism in To Kill a
Mockingbird.

Although some people think that the problems of civil rights is gone, it is more present than ever.
Racial discrimination is occurring in many ways and prejudice is a huge contributing factor which
many people don't realize. In her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee shows a family in the
South during the 1930's, experience prejudice at the extreme. Young Scout, who is the narrator, lives
in Maycomb, Alabama where there is a lot of racism. Because of this, many problems erupt when
people try to change the towns ways. Scout grows throughout the book as she experiences many
events that test her strength. In the novel, Lee uses the characterization of Scout to demonstrate that
innocent children who witness cruelty, often question...show more content...
Francis saying this further helps Scout understand the discrimination, because she now knows that
even family will turn on her. During the spring, Scout's brother Jem ruins the yard of their
conservative, old, neighbor, Mrs. Dubose. As a punishment, both of the Finch children are forced
to take care of her. When they are at her house, she rudely scoffs, "Your father's no better than the
niggers and trash that he works for!" (102) The author uses the word "trash" to show Scout that
some people who are very selfish use derogatory words like trash to display their feelings.
Additionally, trash is a very insulting word to call someone, especially because Scout knows what
it means. Mrs. Dubose yelling at the children causes Scout to get a better picture of what the reality
of their world is. All of these examples from the novel, illustrate how Scout is learning about racism
in many forms by witnessing the actions and language of others. Later in the story, Scout becomes
more aware of racism around her and starts to question the town's discriminatory ways. When Scout
comes home from Mrs. Dubose's house, she is really upset. She is mad because Mrs. Dubose had
said some really harsh things to her about Atticus. After this, Scout starts questioning to Atticus what
a "nigger–lover" is. After he explains that it's just a nonsense word,

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay About Racism
Breonna Burrell
Period 5
TKAM Essay
10/6/09
(Re–Write 10/24/09) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee depicts racism in the 1930's and shows
the characters had to overcome challenges because of it. The 1930's was a difficult time to live in
because of racism against African Americans and the depression, where thousands of people lost
their jobs. The idea "an extraordinary challenge can sometimes make an ordinary person into a hero"
shows that anyone in To Kill a Mockingbird could have been a hero, even in a time of hardships.
Scout Finch, Arthur "Boo" Radley, and Atticus Finch overcame challenges in the story in order to
become great heroes. For instance, Arthur "Boo" Radley overcame many obstacles in order to
become a hero...show more content...
His honesty to his children and the way he explains different situations to them makes him a hero
to his children and also to the people around him. Another instance of Atticus' heroism is when he
shoots a mad dog in the middle of February. Unbeknown to his children he is "One shot finch"
according to Miss Maudie (Lee 97). Even though he does not want to shoot the dog he goes
against his own will for the sake of the town, which makes him heroic. Atticus is a classic
example of a hero because he is not afraid to speak his mind or back down. Scout is a big hero in a
little package, saving Tom and Atticus and facing her fear of Boo Radley. Luckily, Scout is able
to calm down the mob in front of the jail where Tom Robinson is being held the night before the
trial. She stops to talk to Mr. Cunningham out of plain respect, which makes him stop and think
about what he is about to do. Once he realizes he is wrong, he stops the rest of the mob and says,
"Let's clear out...Let's get going, boys" (Lee 154), and they all leave. Because of Scout, Tom and
possibly Atticus are saved from possible death. Her bravery also gives her a heroic quality. When
she faces up to her fear of Boo Radley, she realizes he is not the mysterious bad man she thought him
to be, but is actually wonderful. When she finds out that he has brought excitement and happiness
into her life, she becomes grateful for all the things he has done for her, even though she

To Kill A Mockingbird Racism Essay
Maycomb, Alabama: The Town Filled With Discrimination People around the world are faced
with being treated unfairly because of qualities society considers different. These can include
something that the person is born in towith, or a decision they made later on in their life. Nelle
Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird shows how prejudice views destroy the lives of many. In the
town of Maycomb, blacks are mistreated for their color, while others are excluded fromfor not being
"normal whites". Although every character ofin the novel is not treated unequally, three main
characters that are victims of prejudice are Tom Robinson for his race, Dolphus Raymond for
intermarriage, and Boo Radley for mistakes he made in the past. Tom Robinson, an...show more
content...
"I'm not much of a drinker, but you see they could never, never understand that I live like I do
because that's the way I want to live" (Lee 268). By pretending to be drunk all the time, people
assume that is why he lives the way he does. Therefore, it gives them a reason to think that he can
not help his way of life. Judged by everyone for the stories told about him, Boo Radley stays
tucked away in his house to avoid human contact. As said by Miss Stephanie, "As Mr. Radley
passed by, Boo drove the scissors into his parent's leg, pulled them out, wiped them on his pants,
and resumed his activities" (Lee 13). The townspeople hearing these rumors assume they are true,
and are scared to death of coming into contact with Boo. Because of this, they treat Boo as if he
is some monster, and make up false things pertaining to him. "[Boo Radley] dined on raw
squirrels and any cats he could catch, that's why his hands were bloodstained" (Lee 16). These
fabrications are what keep him inside his home, leaving him to be lonely and antisocial his entire
life. Throughout the book, Tom Robinson, Dolphus Raymond, and Boo Radley are each a victim
of prejudice because they all are acquainted with something that society does not accept. Imagine
every day being insulted because of a concept as simple as race. This concept is sickening enough
to read about, yet this transpired in real life and was not just words on a page. Thinking about how
living through being treated like an

In the book and life, it is believed that racism should be diminished and everyone should be treated
equally. This is described and shown by the trial and characters. After the trial, Atticus talks to
Jem about how the average white man and a black man are not equal. It is like this and judgment
or racial slurs until 1963 when Martin Luther King gave his speech. Before this point, the
judgment and racism were still present, but after 1963, people were thought of as equal. In the
book, the racism is told differently due to having Scout who is a child, telling the story in a
different perspective. She believes that Atticus wants to keep his kids away, and Aunt Alexandra
didn't think it was a good idea for the kids to watch the trial, due to the racism...show more content...
Due to racism and the issue of it, finally Atticus was seen as the hero of Maycomb, but at the same
time, he was looked down upon due to defending a black man. During the twentieth century and to
this day there is a hugely controversial issue on racism, and who or what it affects. Through the
book, Atticus is seen as a "racial hero" for supporting Tom Robinson in racial equality and people
believed that they could speak or say what they wanted to a black person. As stated he was trying
to support Tom and Atticus was the man of the town for trying to stick up for the town. In To Kill
a Mockingbird the author tries to embrace the ideas that some people in the South deny their
southern way of life and do not like to live in a world of judgment and can not live in the way that
people are judged on color (Crespino 81–82). "There's four kinds of folks in the world. There's the
ordinary kind like us and the neighbors, there's the kind like the Cunninghams out in the woods, the
kind like the Ewells down at the dump, and the Negroes" (Lee 258). This point goes back to racism
and how the town is treated and how the people of the

How has racism of the past change how we view racism today? We have come very far on the
issue of racism, but we still have a long road ahead. In 2016 people would react to Tom Robinson's
trial with different worldviews, open minds, and a primary focus on the evidence, rather than their
personal opinions.
Since the time period of To Kill a Mockingbird, the opinions and worldviews of people have
changed from how they label and treat others. To Kill a Mockingbird set in the 1930s, reflects racial
injustice and the opinion that black people are not respected nor trusted. When Atticus Finch takes on
African American Tom Robinson's case, he and his family receive a negative backlash of comments
like N–lover. This type of reaction has since been challenged. People have conflicting opinions on
the slurs and values used in the book. "The Black community was chided for being overly sensitive
to the use of racial slurs and for its failure to appreciate the context and message of the...show more
content...
Multiple websites, and programs define and redefine racism in hopes to change how the world views
a minority. "Racism and discrimination have been used as powerful weapons encouraging fear
or hatred of others in times of conflict and war, and even during economic downturns" (Shuh).
Racism is a problem that continues to cripple our global society with its negative assumptions.
Racism. It Stops With Me, a website based in Australia, gives tips and examples on how to deal
with racism. If you see racism or something unjust, say something if it's the right situation.
Sometimes people say something or act a certain way to get a reaction, if this is the case, say
nothing. (Racism. It Stops With Me) In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus proves Tom could not have
beat Mayella on the side of her face since his arm was damaged long ago in a cotton gin, yet the all
white jury still say "guilty," since they have closed

In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, many minor themes are present such as gender and age.
However, the largest and therefore major theme of the book is racism. All of the events and
themes in the book had only one purpose, to support the theme of racism. One of the most
important events in the book was Tom Robinson's trial, which was unfairly judged due to the fact
that the jury could not see beyond the color of Tom's skin. The put their own racist opinions ahead
of what is right and just. One of the most important events in the novel circulated around racism.
However, the most focused on point of Tom's life was not the only point in his life where racism
has been shown towards him. The Ewell's are a major source of racism towards Tom....show more
content...
This was unlike how African–Americans would act during this time–period. They would have a
specific way of speaking without proper grammar. This was shown by the attitude and behavior
by the members in the church. During church, if Calpurnia had acted proper she would have been
seen as acting like a Caucasian and seen as racist. To prevent this, she acted like everybody else.
Calpurnia's son Zeebo is another example of racism. In everyday society, he is seen as just a low
garbage man however, in church he is one of the most important figures as he is one of only four
members of the church who can read. In addition, he leads the hymns since he can read. In the
church, the method used for the hymns is the "repeat after me" method. Zeebo starts a line of the
hymns and the line is the repeated by the rest of the church. Instead of just being a lowly garbage
man, which is what the Caucasian population of Maycomb County, sees him, as he is a very
important figure in the eyes of the African– American church members. Although racism was
commonly present in Maycomb County, many individuals were non–racist. One example of this was
Atticus. Atticus was a prime example of non–racism in the novel. He was one of the few
homeowners who appreciated his African–American housekeeper; he treated Calpurnia as a person
and was humane to her. In most cases, the homeowner would be mean to her however, since Atticus
was non–racist, he was kind to her. In addition, he even

"Achievement has no color"–Abraham Lincoln former United States president. Award–winning
Novel to Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is one of the most controversial books in the U.S.,
mainly because it put the issue of Racism front and center. It is told from the point of view of
Maycomb resident Scout Finch, a young girl who lives with her brother Jem, her father Atticus and
their black housekeeper Calpurnia. Atticus is a widely respected in the community, however, after
he takes the case of a black man accused of raping a white woman, the upcoming trial divides the
town. Racism in To Kill a Mockingbird directly results in different treatment of characters solely
based on skin color, evoking anger from the reader, which in turn helps them...show more content...
After Heck Tate's testimony, Mayella's father: Bob Ewell is called up to provide his account of
Mayella's rape. Judge Taylor reprimands' him for his language and shortly after Bob Ewell claims
that he witnessed Mayella being raped threw the entire court into an uproar. "'I seen that black
n***** yonder ruttin on my Mayella'" (173). This quote is derogatory for a multitude of reasons.
Firstly, "black N****" (173) emphasizes Tom'srace in an already prejudiced courtroom. Secondly,
the phrase "Rutting on my Mayella" compares Tom to an animal (rutting is used to describe an
animal). These two quotes are so offensively derogatory, they provoke anger from the reader
prompting them to make a deeper connection with the scenes in the book helping them to connect to
the

TKAM ESSAY
Racism– " Im simply defending defending a Negro–his names's Tom Robinson". Discuss the effects
of racism on Maycomb citizens such as Tom and Helen Robinson,
Calpurnia, Scout, Jem, Dill, Mayella Ewell, or Dolphus
Raymond.
Maycomb, is a segregated, urban area located in Southern Alabama. The small town is filled with
black citizens, that are victims of racial discrimination and have their rights stripped from away them
because of their skin colour. To Kill A Mockingbird(TKAM), takes place throughout the Great
Depression and unveils many secrets, untold truths about the life of citizens and explores the
struggles dark skin people faced during the Great Depression.The novel is a simplistic view of life
in the Deep South of America in the 1930s, which reflects racial and social prejudice, discrimination
between blacks and whites. The book is narrated by a young girl named Scout who matures
throughout the novel, from an innocent child to a morally conscience young adult. Harper Lee
develops concepts by using language forms and features to highlight dominant themes of the novel
such as racism. Racism in TKAM has different effects on different characters, such as Tom
Robinson, Jem and Scout. Dark skin people faced many hardships throughout the Great Depression,
in this novel anyone who was coloured or had connections or relations to coloured people, struggled
to have the right to life due to them being black, this had many effects on different characters.
In TKAM,

Racism was a very large part of society in the south during the 1930's. Many colored people were
thought of as less than their peers. Whites were considered better than African Americans were, and
almost every white person accepted the unjust judgment. Racial discrimination hit hard in the south.
Many of the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird were impacted by racial discrimination, including
Calpurnia, Scout, and Tom Robinson and his family. One of the more "accepted" sorts ofracism in
the 1930's was in the home. Many families had African American housekeepers, and the Finch's were
one of those families. When Aunt Alexandra moved in, she created some turbulence with Calpurnia.
When Atticus was talking about how a man despised...show more content...
When Tom Robinson was accused of raping Mayella Ewell, First Purchase, as well as the
Finches, backed him up. They went out of their way to make sure he got what he deserved:
freedom. Reverend Sykes makes sure that if Tom Robinson is falsely accused, his wife, Helen,
and their children will not have to deal with the harsh world that they live in alone. "Reverend
Sykes then said, 'I want all of you with no children to make a sacrifice and give one more dime
apiece. Then we'll have it'"(Lee 163). They scrounge up their money little by little, even though
they may need it for important things like food and clothes, knowing it is going to a family more
in need than their own. Though Calpurnia and the people involved in Calpurnia's life are greatly
impacted, Jean Louise Finch, a.k.a. Scout, deals with more confusion and frustration brought on
by racial discrimination. During a day at school, Scout encountered Cecil Jacobs and his ignorant
mind. "Atticus had promised me he would wear me out if he ever heard of me fighting any
more... I soon forgot. Cecil Jacobs made me forget. He had announced in the schoolyard the day
before that Scout Finch's daddy defends niggers"(Lee 99). Scout did not realize what this meant,
but she was hurt by it any way. Scout is affected by a copious amount of racism, she just has no clue
what is zipping around her. When she confronted Atticus about him defending Negroes, he said of
course he does, and to not use

To Kill A Mockingbird Essays: The Evils Of Racism
The Evils of Racism, using the Power of words, and growing up pain or pleasure are the main
themes of this novel. When you are accused of something you didn't do, it's hard getting out of
that situation. Especially the fact that people would side with the person based on his skin color,
which was very discouraging for the opposing person. I think in the future we won't have to deal
with the racial problems as we did before, because we don't discriminate each other based on skin
color anymore. If you were in the shoes of Tom Robinson, how would you feel? Also how would
you deal with all of the criticism thrown at you?

Racism breaks people down. In Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird",she tells the story of
a racist incident that happened to a man named Tom Robinson in the 1930s in Maycomb, Alabama.
Many people do not think the book should be taught because it shows how racism was during the
1930s. The book shows what can happen when a person reaches out and tries to help someone who
is a victim of racism. It is important for kids to read this and learn this lesson.This novel
demonstrates how discrimination, racism, and sexism was back then. When reading the novel you
connect the world know and then and how some of it changed. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper
Lee should be taught in schools today and should continue to be taught in schools for the rest of the
eternity.
Many people think that the novel should be banned from schools because of its repetitive use of the
N–word' and other swear words. In Harold Jackson's article, he states that "The word nigger is used
in Mockingbird, but not in a flippant or incendiary manner. Atticus Finch, the white lawyer who
defends a black man accused of raping a white woman, explains to his young daughter why people
were calling him a "nigger–lover". So even though Atticus uses the word "nigger–lover" he explained
what it means to Scout, and clarified to Scout not to use the word. In the middle of chapter nine
Uncle Jack disapproves of Scout's language and banishes her from using any swear words. After that
Atticus tells Uncle Jack that '"Bad

How To Kill A Mockingbird Impact Society
In Harper Lee's book "To Kill a Mockingbird" Jem , Scout , and Dill live in Maycomb , Alabama
around the time of the 1930's they all were struggling through racism and poor family's trying to
get by. Harper Lee's first and only novel "To Kill A Mockingbird" was published during the civil
right movements. In this book Jem, Scout, and Dill tend to have courage and loyalty through life
and in their relationship toward one another . Jem and Scout are brother and sister, Dill is a friend
of the family but they accept him as a brother. Although, Jem and Dill have the most exceptional
relationship out of them all. " To Kill A Mockingbird" the impact racism had on society shows
through the setting , characters , and town of Maycomb , Alabama ....show more content...
That's why it's a sin To Kill a Mockingbird ." (103)You never kill a mockingbird because it's a
reflection and also an resemble the wrong in harming innocent and defenseless people , In this
Novel "To Kill A Mockingbird" Ewell's testimony is a prime example of why and how characterizing
one race by inequality under the law .
White people believed to treat them like "trash" and they are influencing their kids to do the same
which puts an impact on the community . The white people in Maycomb , Albama believe that black
people are " Filthy Beings" . Tom Robinson is a prime example in this book because , just because
he's an african american he loses the case of raping a white girl by the name of Mayella Ewell .
Tom was given an defense attorney , which is Atticus and he was chosen by the judge . The law
and system is so messed up that the judge picked a white man to be his attorney . Atticus Finch is a
white man who is an experienced lawyer . Atticus is trying his best to win Tom's case . All of a
sudden he immediately loses the case . When the trial was over , Mr . Underwood said "Atticus
has used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson , but in the secret courts of men's
hearts Atticus had no case . Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and
screamed . " (241)
The jury believes her words over his because she is a white lady and he

To Kill A Mockingbird Racism Quotes
In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird racism was a problem in Maycomb. Atticus quoted, "There's
something in our world that makes men lose their heads–they couldn't be fair if they tried. In our
courts, when it's a white man's word against a black man's, the white man always wins. They're
ugly, but those are the facts of life." "Lee #224) The quote meant whatever a black man went against
a white man in court the white man always wins.To Kill a Mockingbird is a book writing by Harper
Lee, it about how black people was treated in the 40s. The moral of the story was about teaching
the reader how to be a perfect person. I have chosen three topic to talk about racism, respect and
courage. These lessons makes Jem and Scout understand how to be different in Maycomb, example
like not being racist to people.
Racism is a not a big thing in Maycomb, people don't care about it. Most people does not care about
how the black people feels because they are not the one who is feeling it....show more content...
By looking at this quote there were no meaning in there but when you looked at it closely you would
find what Atticus actually meant. This quote means people should treat black people with respect
they shouldn't abused them or call them names. They have done nothing wrong but help out the
community just like the Mockingjays. "You never really understand a person until you consider
things from his point of view – "Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." "Lee #39)
Atticus was trying to explain to Scout that you would never know how's a person feels until you
experience what's the person have been throught. Atticus was trying to show Scout Miss Caroline
was not a bad teacher. Atticus told Scout she should look at Miss Caroline point of view instead of
thinking she was bad. Miss Caroline was new to the community, she came from the city so she
might be shocked when Scout were able to

Effects Of Racism In To Kill A Mockingbird
Ever wondered how life could have been in the time of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, in
the 1930s? Though much has changed, there is still an underlying sameness of most things in this
world. The world of the 1930s was filled with racial discord and segregation. The world of To Kill a
Mockingbird is filled with the racism apparent in the past. This novel sheds light on a particularly
uncomfortable time in America's history. All though it may appear that racism from the 1930s has
completely disappeared, there may be some residual effects that resemble the past racial
relationships.
In the first place, visible signs of racism have changed and adapted from the 1930s and has spiked
racial discord in modern times. The definition of racism is simple: any act of aggression or
prejudice against a member of another race, but the actions of racism are complicated. Additionally,
according to Dictionary.com racism is, "a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the
various human racial groups determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea
that one's own race is superior and has the right to dominate others or that a particular racial group
is inferior to the others" ("racism"). To understand racism is to understand a society and the people
that make up that society. First, people choose to fight with fear or fists, silently or out in the open.
Secondly, the era of the 1930s was much more violent. Coupled with the fact that study was
performed to

America, so far, has come a long way since slavery and the discrimination against other races. After
the days of slavery past, America has become a more positive and equal place to live in. But even
though it may seem like America is a place of equality, we still have a long way to go before
America reaches true equality. In the book we have been reading, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper
Lee, there are many examples of racism that sexism that has stuck with America throughout the
years. The way that America is heading, our country will never truly achieve racial and social
equality. In the US, Women andAfrican American, still to this day, do not get the same wages as
white men, even if it's the same job. According to The National Women's Law Center, "Women in
the U.S. who work full time, year round are paid only 80 cents for every dollar paid to men – and
for women of color, the wage gap is even larger. It's long past time to close the gap" (National
Women's Law Center.) Women have been alive just as long as men have, and yet women are still
treated differently. The idea that women are weaker than men has been with the United States since
the 18th century and has stuck with us to this day. The way African Americans were treated back
in the early 1900s impacted the way people today see others. The novel, To Kill a Mockingbird,
shows a very good interpretation on what the south was like. In the novel, an African American man
named Tom Robinson was convicted of raping a

Examples Of Racism In To Kill A Mockingbird
Racism is bad now but imagine it in the 1930's. The novel To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee,
shows what can happen when racism is involved in the world. A southern town called Maycomb,
Alabama is suffering through the Great Depression. A six year old girl, Scout Finch, tells the story
about her family and growing up in Maycomb. Her father, Atticus is an attorney trying to prove a
black man innocent of raping a white woman, but the trial runs on. There are many examples of
racism in the book including when Calpurnia, the family housekeeper, took Scout and Jem to a
African–American church. Another is when Scout realizes how ignorant their neighbor Mrs.
Dubose was. Also Bob Ewell was very racist in the book, creating lots of tension between...show
more content...
Dubose was a very racist character in the book. She was an ill tempered elderly lady who was also
battling a morphine addiction. One day while Jem and Scout were passing by Mrs. Dubose's
house she yelled to them, "' Not only a Finch waiting on tables but one in the courthouse lawing
for niggers"' (101). She said this because she was upset that Atticus,their father, had decided to
defend a black man in the case. Another way that she shows racism is when she says, "' Your
father's no better than the niggers and trash he works for!'" (102) the same time while they are
passing by her house. This demonstrated racism towards Tom Robinson since he was black. Later
this caused Jem to get upset and take a baton from Scout and destroy all Mrs.Dubose's camellia
bushes causing society to start to crumble. Bob Ewell caused destructiveness to the society later
on. Another character that was ignorant in the book was Bob Ewell. He was a drunk and very
hateful towards blacks even though he was the poorest person in the Maycomb community. He was
also Mayella's father and would do anything to get Tom Robinson locked up. "He stood up and
pointed his finger at Tom Robinson. '– I seen that black nigger yonder ruttin' on my Mayella!'" (173).
He had said this during the trial when Mr. Ewell was asked to say what he saw during the time of
Mayella's rape

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay On Racism

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